Are you looking to buy art in Hong Kong? The good news is that this is a fabulous artistic hub – in fact, HK has the third-highest art sales revenue in the world after London and New York! Here, we chat with a number of artists based in Hong Kong about their artworks, inspiration and current projects.
Artists in Hong Kong
# Belinda Bath
Tell us about your art. What medium, style and themes do you work with?
My work combines art photography, styling and digital montage. I create layered compositions using my own photographs, bringing together strong colour palettes, textures and small everyday objects to tell gentle, nostalgic stories. My style is very colour and detail focused, often celebrating the cultural charm and quiet beauty of Hong Kong.
I have lived with the city for many years, and it continues to shape the way I see and create. Some pieces feel playful and colourful, while others are calmer and more reflective. Every artwork is created with the intention of capturing memory, connection and a sense of place.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Hong Kong has always been my greatest source of inspiration. Its contrasts, colours and cultural richness offer endless material. I have spent years wandering the city with my camera, discovering hidden corners, small objects, textures and moments that reveal its character but still haven’t scratched the surface.
Many people tell me they buy my work because it captures the colour and energy of Hong Kong in a way that feels personal. For expatriates, these pieces often become treasured mementos of their time here. Travel also plays a big role in my creative process – my most recent journey was to Oaxaca in Mexico for the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Where do you work, and what does a typical workday look like?
I work from my home studio. It’s a calm, light-filled space where I can experiment with compositions and immerse myself in the creative process.
My days usually begin quietly with coffee and a review of whatever I was working on the night before. I love to sit on a design for a few days and keep coming back to it with fresh eyes – refining layouts, editing, adjusting colours and balancing textures.
Some days are spent out photographing; I enjoy wandering without a plan and letting the city guide me. Other days are dedicated to social media, designing or working on commissions.
Tell us about your commissioned pieces.
I offer a very personalised experience, which many clients appreciate. This includes guidance on choosing the right piece, custom sizing and framing, worldwide shipping and gift vouchers. I also offer two types of commissions:
- Custom commissions are ideal for clients who love a piece from my existing catalogue but want it personalised; this might be adding new objects or details to an existing montage, or incorporating meaningful items such as a favourite street sign, a child’s school or a neighbourhood detail.
- Bespoke commissions are created entirely from scratch, with new photography. They are more personal and often become treasured family pieces. Examples include photographing a family’s personal objects or locations, or photographing people, often children and pets, and incorporating them into a story-driven artwork. Bespoke commissions have limited availability, and are subject to my presence in Hong Kong.
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art?
Readers can explore my full collection at my website, where I offer ready-to-hang framed prints, stretched canvases and custom options. I also share new works, behind-the-scenes moments and inspiration on Instagram.
belindabathimages.com | IG @belindabathimages
# Richard Crosbie
Give us an introduction to your art career and your artworks.
I’ve always been instinctively drawn to art – but becoming a “real” artist only truly happened after a career shock. Before COVID, I spent 25 years as a toy designer. During the pandemic, my employer closed, and I experienced a hard reset: the removal of my day-job identity, followed by an instinctive return to my core “programming”. I grabbed a paintbrush, stepped outside and simply started painting.
I began recording what I saw: people, streets and scenes full of energy and intensity. Over time, I found myself reappreciating everyday life again and again, as if I were seeing it for the first time. From there, joy became my compass. I began translating daily life into images that capture the gloriously chaotic detail of Hong Kong – filtered through my designer’s eye.
What mediums do you use?
I work with pen, ink, watercolour, acrylic, pastels and have experimented with oil paint, yet I keep returning to watercolour. There’s always some new technique or property of the medium that draws me back, inviting me to keep learning.
Where do you get your inspiration?
From Hong Kong itself, which to me is an endless muse. Whether the city is bustling or beautifully quiet, there’s a certain energy here that is unlike anywhere else on earth.
It’s usually everyday moments and scenes of life that inspire me and elicit an emotional reaction within me. When I paint, I tend to play it straight. I don’t abstract or simplify; rather, I paint it as I see it, in all its glorious chaotic detail, from peeling paint to dirty walls. It’s these specific details in any given scene that make it truly unique to Hong Kong. However, I do on occasions create more fantastical pieces, such as my ‘Hong Kong Butterfly’ painting which I describe as a deconstruction and a reimagining of classic Hong Kong icons.
Do you work at home, in a studio or somewhere else?
I work either at home (my dining table) or outside on location often on the street – usually using my knees as a table to create urban sketches while sitting on fire hydrants!
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
For a full-time artist, I spend a surprising amount of time not creating art. As a one-man band, I am both the CEO and office boy of my own business. I do all my own admin, packing, deliveries, running around the city buying materials and writing articles such as this!
How can Expat Living readers see or buy your art?
I have social media pages as well as a website, and readers are welcome to send me a message and I’ll be happy to chat.
I’ve just finished my second solo exhibition and I’m now working towards exhibiting at the Affordable Art Fair in May. I will be exhibiting with an art collective named Rouge Art, and we will be at stand B13.
FB @852Richard | IG @richardcrosbie_art
richardcrosbieart.com
# Anthony Fryer
Tell us about your art.
I create bespoke artworks tailored to elevate any home or office, featuring custom colour palettes or specific Hong Kong locations to suit your space perfectly.
My work emphasises the lines, pathways and distinctive features of Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods. It is site-specific and story-driven, inviting viewers to connect the artwork directly to the locations that inspired it. It uses expressive, gestural lines with strokes of blues, reds, browns and greys, which outline architectural details. I also paint using a stone from the particular location of inspiration, creating a direct, physical connection between the artwork and the place that shaped it.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from pathways in Hong Kong, particularly the alleyways, side streets and architectural features encountered in the city. The paintings evoke the energy of the neighbourhoods and translate those impressions into semi-abstract, place-based compositions.
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
As the artworks are created in stages, one artwork will typically take one to two weeks for completion. The first task is to take photos of the location in Hong Kong, after which I prepare the materials and build the wash layers with a wide brush. Once the background is dry, I draw lines in pencil freehand, then use a stone from the location to add faint etches and gestural lines to define the architecture of the scene. When I’m finished, I review the composition and document the connection between the location and the story.
Any new or notable works or exhibitions you can tell us about?
My work has been exhibited at the Affordable Art Fair in Hong Kong in 2024 and 2025, at Christie’s Hong Kong in 2023 (one of 55 artists worldwide to exhibit there, through Asia Art Archive), at the RCA in London, and at Beatrice Royal Gallery in Southampton. My work can currently be seen at Hong Kong International Airport.
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art in Hong Kong?
My artworks sit happily in both commercial and hospitality environments, as well as domestic settings. They are permanently accessible through two key professional representations: the Hong Kong Arts Collective (locally) and Artstory.co.uk (serving the UK and international markets). Through the Hong Kong Arts Collective, I’m part of a platform that prioritises local artistic voices and makes art discovery seamless for collectors. Unlike traditional high-street galleries, this allows for a more personal, direct-to-collector experience, often bridging the gap between the digital viewing and the physical presence of the work.
Got any tips for buying artwork?
#1 Trust your instincts. If a piece resonates with you personally in those first few moments, it will likely hold its meaning and value in your home for years to come.
#2 Research the provenance of the piece. Understanding the “how” and “why” adds immense insight.
#3 Consider the environment. Consider how the artwork will fit in with your specific space. Factor in natural lighting, existing wall colours, and whether the scale of the piece complements the room’s proportions.
9674 4592 | IG @artworksbyanthonyfryer
anthonyfryer-artist.com
# RAINB.W
Introduce us to your art and artworks.
I specialise in watercolour paintings of Hong Kong’s night cityscapes. From early in my artistic practice, I was drawn to the unique character of watercolour — its flowing and inherently spontaneous qualities. It’s a medium that seems to breathe with life and movement — impossible to fully control, yet exquisitely beautiful in its unpredictability.
My paintings focus on familiar Hong Kong street scenes and urban landscapes — views that feel instantly recognisable to those who live here. Through the interplay of dramatic light and rich colour, I reimagine these everyday spaces as dreamlike nocturnes. What I love most about this subject is its powerful duality: the scenes are collectively shared and deeply familiar, yet they resonate differently with each viewer, stirring personal memories, stories and emotions. In this way, I aim to transform the ordinary into something poetic.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I’m deeply inspired by my city. The streets, architecture and urban structures give me a solid framework to work from, which then allows me to abstract and freely experiment with light and colour. For me, it’s not just about painting the city, but capturing that unique feeling of stillness within chaos.
Where do you work?
I mainly work in my studio. While I occasionally paint en plein air on the streets of HK to directly capture the city’s atmosphere and energy, I feel most at ease and productive in the comfort of my studio.
There, I can work at a relaxed, contemplative pace — free from the constraints of time and shifting outdoor conditions. It’s in this space that I can fully enter a state of flow, allowing my imagination to wander and experiment freely with colours and light in my paintings.
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
My days as an artist are really varied — no two are ever the same! Some days I’m fully immersed in the studio, painting for hours on end. Other days I head out into the city to take reference photos of streets, neon signs and night scenes. I also meet with clients from time to time to discuss commissions and custom pieces. And when an exhibition or art fair is coming up, you’ll probably find me with a hammer and nails, busy installing my works on the walls.
One thing that really affects my schedule is natural light. Since I paint in watercolour, I rely on good daylight. Bright sunny days are perfect for long painting sessions, but once it gets gloomy or evening sets in, I usually have to stop. I enjoy this mix — it keeps things interesting and balanced between painting, exploring the city, and handling everything else that comes with being an artist.
Any new or notable works or exhibitions you can tell us about?
I’m always working on new paintings — my Hong Kong night cityscapes in watercolor are an ongoing series, and I’m constantly exploring new ways of depicting this beautiful city after dark. The best way to see my latest works is on my Instagram @rainb.w, where I regularly share new pieces, works-in-progress and upcoming exhibitions.
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art?
You can browse and purchase my original paintings directly through my website.
I also exhibit regularly in various art shows and exhibitions across Hong Kong throughout the year. I’ve been showing my work at the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong for the past eight years, alongside other group and solo exhibitions. So, if you’re in Hong Kong, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see my originals in person!
rainbw.art | IG @rainb.w
# Zue Chan
Tell us a bit about your art.
My work is shaped by the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Blending traditional Chinese ink techniques with contemporary acrylic methods, I explore themes of resilience, flow and emotional vitality through the relationship between stones and water – symbols of inner strength and the ever-changing rhythm of life.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration always goes back to Victoria Harbour and Lion Rock. My studio is near Lion Rock, and I see it almost every time I return to the studio. To me, Lion Rock feels like a guardian spirit – quietly protecting the city and the people living within it.
I also spent nearly a year doing volunteer work, collecting surplus food from restaurants and distributing it to homeless people along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. During that time, I saw Victoria Harbour every week, and it created a much deeper emotional connection between me and the harbour.
These places are not only landscapes to me — they carry memories, emotions, and the spirit of Hong Kong.
Where do you work?
I have my studio in the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC), where I usually paint after work and on weekends. It’s a quiet creative space where I can fully focus on experimenting with textures, colours, and new ideas for my paintings.
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
My workdays usually begin with coffee, followed by pouring paint onto the canvas to create organic textures and flowing forms. I often begin by shaping the sky first, then gradually draft the landscape based on the unexpected patterns created by the fluid paint. I enjoy working intuitively, allowing the textures and colours to guide the direction of the painting. Besides painting, I also spend time preparing exhibitions, creating content for Instagram, and developing new ideas inspired by daily life, the city and nature.
Any new or notable works or exhibitions you can tell us about?
I’ve just finished exhibiting at Affordable Art Fair 2026, which was a really meaningful experience for me. Recently, I’ve been focusing more deeply on my painting practice and continuing to develop my Hong Kong-inspired series.
Looking ahead, I’m also excited to explore new possibilities by collaborating with friends on integrating AI and projection mapping into my artistic practice. I’m interested in creating more immersive experiences that combine traditional painting, movement, light and technology.
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art?
Readers can browse my latest artworks and projects through my Instagram page. Enquiries or purchase requests can be made via DM or email ([email protected]).
Evanza Art
L2-03, The Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC), 30 Pak Tin Street,
Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon, Hong Kong
IG @zuezue_chan
# Lisa Huang
Tell us a bit about your art.
I paint en plein air, a 19th-century practice relating to artists who capture a moment in time with their artwork (the name comes from the French term for “outdoors”). Working with black ink and watercolour pigments, my artworks are direct, spontaneous and infused with high energy. They are focused on the cities I visit and the place I live in. Colours are strong yet distinct and timeless. The artworks are also a slice of me as much a puzzle piece of the environment. Say hello when you spot me along the streets!
Where do you get your inspiration?
Travelling humbles and inspires me. The vastness of a landscape, the chaos of a junkyard, the exquisiteness of a luxurious hotel, the turn of dawn – these are all fragments of emotion and experience that are quietly stored in our memory. I recall these when I create a colour palette or a composition; most importantly, they form my judgement of aesthetics.
Where is your workspace?
Outdoors for the bulk of the creation, a studio for staging and the final layer of creation, and home for scripting and administration.
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
My artist workday happens once a week and is divided between creation and mind-mapping work. This can involve communication with galleries and collectors, reorganising the website, or experimenting with new colour combinations for the next piece of art.
Any new or notable works or exhibitions you can tell us about?
With the new studio this year, I am hosting an artist open house in November, where guests can enjoy conversation and gain insights. It will show our artist workspaces, sketchbooks, process making and more.
There is also my “Beyond Blue Print” group exhibition in Nine Elms, London in October and another in one of Hong Kong’s prime spots scheduled for December!
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art?
My social media platforms like IG will offer you a direct connection with me and my art. It’s in my DNA to respond promptly. You can also browse my website, lisahuangart.com. Email me for an invitation to my next art fair, private viewing or exhibition.
Studio 1205, 12F, Yue Fung Industrial Building,
35-45 Chai Wan Kok Street, Tsuen Wan, New Territories
[email protected] | lisahuangart.com
# Mabel Lau
Tell us about your art.
I work in three classical scripts – regular (楷), clerical (隸) and running (行) – always with pure sumi ink and brush, following rules that are centuries old. There’s a more experimental style some calligraphers explore called “creative calligraphy”, which breaks away from those classical forms – it’s just not the path I’ve chosen. I trained under my teacher for a long time just to get the basics right. Staying close to that discipline is my way of respecting what the craft has carried through history.
The part that isn’t strictly traditional is what I choose to write and how I present it – from ancient texts like the Heart Sutra to modern song lyrics and personal quotes chosen by whoever’s commissioning the piece.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I wasn’t handed Chinese culture – I had to go find it. I was born in Canada and grew up in Hong Kong, but in English-speaking international schools, so the culture around me and the culture in me were two different things for a long time! Calligraphy became the bridge. I’ve been practising for over two decades now, and somewhere along the way it became a form of meditation too: every stroke asks for real control of breath and movement, so time with a brush in my hand is where my mind actually goes quiet.
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
By day, I work in private banking, so my studio time is whatever’s left after a banking day – usually evenings or very early mornings, which happen to work best for me as well. After dinner and a shower, I change into something super comfortable, and that’s the signal I give myself that it’s time to write! And it’s not just the writing that fills those hours: I source my own materials, handle my own admin, and pack and send every finished piece myself.
Any new or notable collaborations you can tell us about?
I get to work on pieces and projects for a range of corporate clients: from retail names like Cartier and Louis Vuitton, and hospitality brands like Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental, to institutions like the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Each client wants to give their own clients or guests a particular kind of experience, and my job is figuring out how to deliver that with something written by hand!
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art?
The best place to start is Instagram – I post my day-to-day work and finished commissions there, so you can scroll through to get inspiration for your own piece. Every piece I make is one of a kind, built around exactly what a client wants. Message me, email me or use the contact form on my website, and we can have a chat about what you’re looking for.
[email protected] | @mabellaucalligraphy
mabellau-calligraphy.com
# Artist Aarti
Tell us about your art.
I work in two styles, and they each have a different energy.
The first is pen on paper. This is where I bring people’s stories and dream concepts to life in commissioned pieces. Every piece is shaped around the client, so the style shifts, but there’s always a thread of detail and intricacy. Think realism with a foot in fantasy, black and white, clean and striking, then lifted with a splash of colour or a flash of foil.
The second is digital, hand-drawn and a lot more playful. These are my cards and art prints for The Lion Rock Press, all Hong Kong inspired. I take the expat experience, the beautiful chaos of life here, and turn it into something colourful, witty and just a bit tongue in cheek. Neon lights, crowded streets, the quirks of this city – they all find their way in.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Honestly? Everywhere. For the commission work, the inspiration comes straight from the people I’m drawing for. For the Hong Kong prints, the city does all the heavy lifting. I’m inspired by the collision of old and new, the neon glow against grey buildings, the hustle that somehow always feels alive rather than exhausting – the little moments too, including the slightly absurd details that only make sense if you’ve lived here.
Where do you work?
For my commissioned pieces, I have a dedicated drawing desk where the serious, detailed work happens. For everything else – the sketches, the experiments, the playful stuff – that happens all over the house, from the couch to the kitchen table.
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
I run my own business, so that means I do everything from packing prints to chasing down materials in every corner of Hong Kong. One hour I’m knee-deep in spreadsheets, the next I’m hauling a roll of paper across town.
Then there are my two kids, who are very much part of my world. They’re the reason my days have a certain rhythm. The playful, sketchy, experimental art happens with them around, pens on the floor, them asking questions, me answering while half-focused on a drawing. The detailed commission pieces happen when they’re at school or tucked into bed.
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art?
On my website, you can see a portfolio of past pieces and get a feel for what I do. My Instagram is where I share works in progress and some behind-the-scenes looks. The Hong Kong prints live on The Lion Rock Press website. And if you’re after my cards, they’re available at online card shop Roksaan.
9494 9817 | IG @artistaarti | artistaarti.com
# Michael Ho
Tell us about your art.
I am an artist drawn to chasing the sunlight, specialising in watercolour and urban sketching. My creative core revolves around light – particularly the fleeting transitions of twilight and golden hour. When the late sun bathes a scene in soft light, it reveals a distinct resonance and vitality. Working primarily in watercolour, I focus on capturing the interplay of luminosity across cityscapes, street scenes and maritime vessels.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration springs from the call of nature and inner reflections. Whether it’s verdant mountain peaks or coastal stretches, the natural landscape offers endless sparks. I’m especially fond of painting en plein air at sunset; the ever-changing light often evokes deeply cherished memories. For me, urban views, quiet streets and ships symbolise the connections between people, time and space – and I use my brush to capture those transient moments.
Where do you work?
The majority of my work is created directly on location – the hills, shorelines, street corners or anywhere along the road serve as my open air studio. To me, plein-air painting is far more than just making art; it’s an immersive experience and a personal ritual – a way to dedicate my passion and time to the moment. I’ve even custom-designed my own lightweight field painting gear so I can travel light and catch the evening light wherever I go.
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
My working rhythm naturally follows the path of the sun. Mornings and afternoons are spent in the studio preparing paper, mixing palettes or handling exhibition planning. As dusk approaches, my dedicated plein-air ritual begins – I head out to record the twilight atmosphere, where you’ll most likely spot me down by the waterfront. In the evening, I return to the studio to scan, archive and refine my field sketches.
Any new or notable works or exhibitions you can tell us about?
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of joining the Hong Kong team at the Fabriano in Acquarello international watercolour exhibition in Italy. I’ve also recently mounted some series of thematic solo exhibitions in Hong Kong.
Looking ahead to the second half of the year, I’m planning exciting collaborations with various hotels, cafés and galleries to host themed pop-up exhibitions, art talks and live painting demonstration workshops.
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art?
You can view and acquire works in person at my thematic pop-up exhibitions, see my full online portfolio atmichaelhoart.com or follow my latest field sketching journeys on Instagram. For inquiries regarding original watercolour paintings, limited-edition prints, creative collaborations or custom lightweight sketching gear, reach out via email, Instagram message or the website contact form.
WhatsApp 9039 9775 | [email protected]
IG/FB @michaelhoart | michaelhoart.com
# Anjali B. Purkayastha
Tell us about your art.
My work spans painting, drawing, ceramics and digital media. It’s defined by a graphical, pattern-based style where intricate motifs act as a visual language. Working purely on instinct, I surrender to the rhythm of repetitive mark-making. As a British Indian artist based in Hong Kong after two decades abroad, I view my practice as a visual timeline of living across different cities – exploring identity, memory and belonging.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the intersection of heritage, nature and transition. When you relocate as often as I have, you look for constants. For me, nature is that grounding anchor – from the greenery beneath our feet to the vast expanse above us. The organic forms and natural patterns in my paintings and ceramic sculptures are directly inspired by nature, offering a sense of familiarity no matter where life takes me.
Where do you work?
I work out of my home studio, a space where fine art meets family life. It allows me to step effortlessly between the quiet, immersive focus needed for my work and the wonderful chaos of being a mom to my son and our dog. The studio is both a sanctuary and the bustling heart of our home.
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
I protect my mornings for creation, leaving afternoons for the administrative side of art. My creative process begins with a grounding ritual – clearing my space, choosing materials and playing meditation music to find my rhythm. Once tuned in, I let the patterns take the lead. By late afternoon, I transition to admin work before stepping back into the flow of family life.
Any new or notable works or exhibitions you can tell us about?
My work has been exhibited in India, Singapore, Korea, Thailand and the UK, with solo exhibitions in Bangkok, Seoul and London. Currently, I’m expanding my ceramic wall sculptures, a 3D extension of my paintings, and I’ll be showcasing new works at the upcoming Affordable Art Fair in Singapore.
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art?
You can explore my portfolio and request catalogues via my website or Instagram page. I would love to arrange art viewings at my home studio, too, so please do get in touch.
[email protected] | IG @anjalibpurkayastha
anjaliartist.com
# Eric Ho
Tell us about your art.
Although I have a Western education background and earned my fine arts degree in Canada, my artistic vision and approach remain deeply rooted in traditional Chinese ink. I treat it as a living language fused with a contemporary, architectural aesthetic. Central to my practice is my self-developed “Silky Lines Slashing Ink” technique, where razor-sharp geometric lines contrast with the fluid nature of ink on rice paper.
My compositions blend minimalist philosophy with a touch of abstraction, and they feel distinctly modern. This approach has evolved into a series capturing Hong Kong’s cityscapes – its dense grid, sharp skyscrapers and harbour reflections – offering a new arena for contemporary ink. My more abstract works strip back further to pure form and rhythm, letting the kinetic energy and spontaneous flow of brushstrokes take centre stage.
Where do you get your inspiration?
First, physically, it comes from the sheer pulse of Hong Kong – walking through the dizzying verticality of Central or watching the chaotic yet harmonious flow of traffic and people, I see the ultimate linear composition. But the “soul” – the spiritual value and the unique texture of my lines – comes from deep within Chinese art history, specifically the calligraphic masters of the Song and Qing Dynasties.
Where do you work?
Mostly from my home studio, where I handle my smaller pieces. For larger works, I have a separate studio in Central.
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
My day begins simply – breakfast with my wife at our cosy local cha chaan teng, including a mandatory cup of Hong Kong-style milk tea. On days without appointments or errands, I put on music and head to my workspace to finalise paintings or begin something new.
I prefer working under natural sunlight, so my studio hours usually wrap up around 4pm, leaving the late afternoon for life, reflection and family. I’m the chef of the house, so I love preparing dinner whenever I can, too.
Any new works or exhibitions you can tell us about?
Recently, I’ve been exploring miniature pieces painted on metallic paper – a departure from my usual mid- to largescale ink works. Looking ahead, I’m planning a joint exhibition with my father next year. He’s a renowned Chinese water-ink artist in his own right, and this will be a deeply meaningful collaboration – a conversation across generations.
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art?
Visit my website to explore my works, browse auction records and learn more about my artistic journey. I focus on commissioned projects rather than building up large stock, but I also exhibit regularly at art fairs and exhibitions throughout the year, including Art Central and Collect HK.
[email protected] | IG @hejilan.eric
hejilan.com
# Mariah Solikin
Tell us about your art.
I work primarily in acrylics and watercolours. My style is rooted in pure colours, precision, and geometric form, incorporating both Western and Eastern cultural influences. Currently, my interests include geometric shapes, lines, abstraction, Chinese characters and everyday objects to convey my perspective on connections, culture, humour, family and love. I’ve also written poems accompanying some of the paintings. I view my paintings and my poetry as two halves of a single conversation.
Contradictions and paradoxes are some of the central themes in my work, reflecting my personal feelings and my way of embracing both the complexity and simplicity of life.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from my personal journey of self-discovery and the cultural landscapes of the three places where I have lived. I was born in Indonesia, raised in Singapore, and have lived in Hong Kong for the past 29 years. As a member of diaspora, I look at things through a different lens and create unique narratives. What seems normal to a local is a source of wonder to me. These impressions become my inspirations and allow me to express myself in my own way.
Where do you work?
I paint from my home studio in Hong Kong.
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
I wear many hats: homemaker, mother, wife and artist. My workdays are structured and driven by Hong Kong-style efficiency, which is partly shaped by my background in financial services. Combined with my deep fondness for geometry, it influences the clean lines and balance of my artwork.
Any new or notable works or exhibitions you can tell us about?
I have just completed my latest piece based on the Chinese character 生 (birth/alive). The Chinese Character series is one of the primary collections I’ve been developing. As an overseas Chinese Indonesian, my relationship with Chinese as a language and culture is unique, allowing me to explore symbols from a distinct perspective.
I also particularly adore my Venus Flytrap series, which strongly reflects my style and narratives. One of the paintings in this series was recently awarded an Honourable Mention in an art competition in Taiwan.
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art?
You can explore my full gallery at my website. While some of my original paintings are still available, limited-edition prints in smaller sizes are also for sale. Please email me directly through the site with any enquiries.
If you’re interested in my studio practice and future announcements for exhibitions, feel free to connect with me on Instagram at @mariahsolikin.
# Naishi Jogani
Tell us about your art.
My work moves between two distinct styles. One is abstract, textured painting that is layered, expressive and intuitive, where colours and textures become a way of expressing emotions. The other is my series inspired by old doors, which I paint with a more realistic approach.
As a mixed-media artist, I work with charcoal, watercolours, poster colours and acrylics on canvas. I love building layers and textures and allowing each piece to develop its own character.
Being an Indian artist living in Hong Kong has influenced the way I observe and create. I’m drawn to the contrast between the old and the new, the familiar and the unfamiliar, and the stories and emotions that connect us across places and cultures.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from everyday life like feelings, emotions and even the kind of beautiful chaos that makes life feel real.
In such a busy world, I often find myself searching for something quieter: a sense of calm that exists somewhere within all the noise. That feeling often finds its way into my abstract work through layers, textures and colours.
For my ‘Threshold of Time’ series, my inspiration came from old doors. I’ve always been drawn to the character of aged doors that are the marks left by time. The craftsmanship, the imperfections and the sense of history held within every panel and hinge – each one feels like it has a story to tell.
For me, tradition isn’t something that needs to be preserved exactly as it was. It can be revisited, reinterpreted and given a new life.
Where do you work?
I work from my home studio, which I love because creativity and family life naturally exist side by side.
There are moments when the studio is completely quiet and I can lose myself in a painting. Then there are moments when real life inevitably finds its way in family conversations and the everyday interruptions that come with working from home.
I actually love that balance. Being at home means I can stay close to the people and things that matter to me, while still having a space that allows my creativity to breathe.
Give us an insight into a typical workday.
My workday starts with mornings filled with creativity powered by natural daylight on a bright sunny day.
Some afternoons, I focus on social media support – working on content, researching topics for inspiration and testing colours and textures. I do my own admin work, pack my artworks for deliveries and source new materials.
By around 4pm, I’m ready to transition back to my family and my life.
How can Expat Living readers browse or buy your art?
You can explore my different series and available artworks through my website or follow my work on Instagram at @artbynaishijogani.
For enquiries, commissions or purchases, I’m always happy to connect through Instagram DM, or you can email me at [email protected].
Liked this round-up of artists in Hong Kong? There’s plenty more to discover in our Things to Do section.
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